Josh Friedman has been involved Austin Real Estate for close to 20 years. If there's anything he knows better than the Austin Real Estate Market, it's where to get the best eats! Here are a few of his favorite Austin restaurants!

Spring sports are in full swing, and that can mean a lot of busy evenings. Luckily, Friedman Realtors knows where you and the kids can go after soccer practice to get a bite to eat, and a free meal for the kids!

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Mondays

Tres Amigos after 5pm
Cajun Pizza Place after 5pm
Casa Chapla all day

Tuesdays

Kerbey Lane all day
Pluckers during evenings
Pizza Hut from 5pm-8pm

Wednesdays

Boat House Grill all day
Texadelphia after 4pm
SLAB BBQ 4pm-9pm

Saturdays

Steak 'n' Shake all day
Frisco after 5pm
Zen Japanese Food all day

Sundays

Dickey's BBQ all day
Moonie's Burger House after 5pm
Gusto Italian Kitchen 4pm-10pm

Pizza has long been a beloved food in cities all over the United States. Austin, Texas is no different. We try, but we can’t just live off barbecue and tacos alone! So, since it's National Pizza Day, we thought we’d help our fellow Austinites celebrate. Here’s a list of some of the best pizza places around town.

Home Slice

This authentic New York-style pizza joint was a game changer when it opened in 2005. 12 years later, and it continues to be the go-to place for pizza in Austin. These homemade, hand-tossed pizzas have become a classic. If you’re from out-of-town, this is the perfect stop for you and not just because of the pizza! It’s South Congress location is a part of town everyone should experience. Home Slice is a popular place to eat, and it can get pretty packed. If you don’t feel like waiting in line at the restaurant for your pizza, you can head next door to More Home Slice for takeout and slices.

East Side Pies

East Side Pies is a celebration of everything Austin on top of a pizza. From the eccentric names to the creative and unique sauces and toppings. Not to mention they source all their ingredients from local farmers and keep a garden bed of fresh ingredients out front. If you’re looking for the most Austin take on a pizza that you can possibly find, East Side Pies is the place for you. They’ve got three different locations around Austin and they do take-outs and delivery. While you’re there, don’t forget to try some garlic knots too!

Bufalina

This pizza place has gotten rave reviews for its Neapolitan pizzas. They’re cooked in a Stefano Ferrara oven. This oven was imported from Naples, which is where pizza was born. If you’ve never had authentic Italian pizza before, this as close as you can get in Austin, Texas. They have two locations, one on Caesar Chavez and one on Burnet. Check them out and experience crust that somehow manages to be both perfectly airy, chewy, and crispy at the same time.

Via 313

Detroit-style pizza in Austin? Yes, you heard that right. If you’re craving a deep-dish pizza, then you have to check out Via 313. This restaurant was started by two brothers from Detroit, so you know they’ve got the expertise to give you that authentic Detroit-style pizza. They’ve become such a hit in Austin that they now have two food truck and two brick and mortar stores. Check out their Rainey location, out behind Craft Pride. You can enjoy any number of local beers while you wait for that delicious pizza.

Pinthouse Pizza

Nothing goes together better than pizza and beer, and Pinthouse Pizza knows it! They brew their own in-house beer and have dozens of local craft beers on tap as well. And that beer selection doesn’t detract from their pizzas. The laidback atmosphere makes it a perfect place to grabs some cold beers and good pizza with friends any night of the week.

We hope you’re enjoying this year’s National Pizza Day. If you haven’t yet, get out there and get some pizza from any one of these awesome pizza joints. If you’re from out-of-town and just feel like you can’t be separated from Austin’s eclectic pizza scene every again, contact Friedman Realtors. We’re happy to help you find your new, perfect Austin home today!

When it comes to finding liquid gold, as far as Texans are concerned, the closest you can get is with some delicious queso. Queso is almost as beloved as the breakfast taco here in Austin, Texas. Nearly everywhere you go, queso will be on the menu. We’ve made a list of some of our absolute favorite places to go for queso around town. Try them out and decide for yourself which is the best one!

Trudy’s

Trudy’s has been an Austin staple since 1977. They have two options for you to choose from. Their chili con queso or their queso especial. The chili con queso is their original recipe. It comes loaded with peppers and the option to add either beef or chicken. If you order the queso especial, you’ll get some traditional queso that’s been loaded with guacamole and spicy pico. Get one of their Mexican margaritas with this and you’re sure to have an excellent time!

Torchy’s Tacos

Torchy’s is an all-time Austin favorite. It started as a food truck and quickly grew into a local chain. Their tacos are killer, and their queso is even better. The green chile queso has guacamole, queso fresco, cilantro, and their house-made diablo house. Make sure to stir it all up when you get it, so the flavors can really come together. Torchy’s queso is served with their house-made chips and is sure to be something you’ll come to crave.

Matt’s El Rancho

Matt’s El Rancho has been an iconic South Lamar eatery since 1952. They’re a family-friendly TexMex restaurant known for delicious food and amazing margaritas. And their queso is one of the most well-known dishes around Austin. The Bob Armstrong dip has been a dish that “Mexican Restaurants everywhere have tried to duplicate,” boasts their website. This perfect mixture of queso, guacamole, and taco meat is a must try.

Magnolia Café

Magnolia Café is home to the famous Mag Mud. The name alone is enough to make it stand out, but the taste takes it to a whole new level. The secret to this delicious bowl of queso is the black beans. Along with that, there’s avocado and pico de gallo in the queso. The Mag Mud is something you have to get if you’re in Austin, and Magnolia Café is the perfect place to take anyone who comes to visit!

Kerbey Lane Café

Kerbey Lane Café started out as a just a small restaurant located on, you guessed it, Kerbey Lane. Since then, it’s grown into a local chain, with seven locations in and around the Austin area. One of their signature dishes is, of course, their Kerbey Queso. Guacamole smothered in queso and topped with pico de gallo. It’s a classic! If you want to change it up a bit, you can order the Cowboy Queso, which adds black beans. They also offer vegan queso. And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the pancakes!

While these are the top ones that made the list, there are so many amazing queso dishes out in Austin waiting for you try! And if you’re visiting Austin and decide to make it your home, contact Friedman Real Estate today. We can find the best home for you here in town so that you never have to ignore a queso craving again.

Like many other Texans, you likely have taxes on the brain right now. If you own a home, this information on Texas Homestead Exemptions will prove to be valuable for you. Homestead exemptions can be invaluable for homeowners in Texas. Here is what you need to know for homestead exemptions in Central Texas. Find links to homestead exemption forms for Travis County, Williamson County and Hays County below.

If you owned your home as of January 1st as your primary residence and neither you or your spouse have claimed an exemption on any other property you should qualify for a homestead exemption.

Typically the deadline for application submission for homeowners is between January 1 and April 30.

Sweets make everything better. We have a major sweet tooth and when the craving hits, you want something that is worth every delectable bite! Don’t worry about being disappointed or wasting your cheat day on underwhelming desserts, just follow our guide to the best dessert spots in Austin. You’ll find you can have your cake and really enjoy it too! So skip dinner and go straight for dessert with some local Austin favorites!

Usually praised for their amazing brunch, Café No Sé is a local favorite on popular South Congress Avenue (SoCo if you’re in the know) in Austin. Dessert from pastry chef Amanda Rockman takes the cake if you ask anyone who has had the fortune of tasting one of her delightful treats. Try the banana toffee pudding and make a reservation to avoid missing out!

Their tagline “Bet You’ve Never Had Churros Like This Before.” Is on point. There’s just no other way to describe this sweet delight. If you love churros (seriously, who doesn’t?) then this is the dessert option for you. In fact, you’ll need to come back several times just to try all the amazing flavors on the menu. Try the Clint Eastwood for something a little nutty or the Date Night with popcorn sugar and vanilla ice cream for something really different!

Irene’s is a newcomer to the Austin food scene but has already made a name with their comfort food and signature cocktails. This carries over to their desserts as well. With old school favorites that you can’t find just anywhere like strawberry cake and butterscotch blondies, you can be sure that the desserts you find here will put a nostalgic smile on your face.

Juniper is the place to go for a night out to impress. Pastry Chef Kerstin Bellah creates delicately exquisite desserts that are just as lovely to admire at as they are to enjoy. Make reservations for dinner or come in for drinks and dessert for the perfect close to a lovely date night in Austin.

Yes, this seems incredibly counterintuitive, we get that. But, if you’ve ever saved room for dessert at Micklethwait’s famous trailer you’ll know how amazing the pie is! From buttermilk pie to oatmeal cream, you can get it by the slice or a whole pie to share (or not). This is down-home dessert at it’s best!

This is THE PERFECT place for an afternoon out with the kids or a fun stop while enjoying all that Austin has to offer. One of the most popular dessert destinations by far, Sugar Mama’s has such an amazing variety of cupcakes that it’s almost impossible not to walk away with a carton full “for later”. Try their to-die-for carrot cake cupcakes or one of their famous signature styles like the Marilyn Monroe or James Brown. It’s not all about cupcakes though, Sugar Mama’s has some of the best berry pies, baklava and even treats for furry friends!

We can’t take it anymore! All this research has us hankering for our own delicious dessert. If your love of sweets runs deep, Austin has an unending supply of restaurants to fill that need. Come try all that Austin has to offer, and if you decide to stay, get in touch with Friedman Real Estate so we can find you a home you will love in the closest proximity to the most heavenly confections in the city!

Austin offers a lot to do so you can get out of the house on Thanksgiving Day and over the holiday weekend! Entertain out-of-town guests or just hang out around the city with the fam and explore. Check out some of the best ways to spend your turkey day in Austin!

What to Do in Austin on Thanksgiving Day

Before the big feast gets started, take some time to shed a few extra calories with the Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot. This annual event is as fun for spectators as it is for participants. It is a 5-mile run, 1-mile walk/run and there is even a Kids K! Best of all? It benefits Caritas of Austin. The race starts at 8:00AM, you can register online now!

After dinner, you can enjoy some relaxing time sitting and enjoying a classic Thanksgiving movie with friends and family. The Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter is showing Planes, Trains & Automobiles with Steve Martin and John Candy. This film crosses the generational divide and everyone from grandma to your surly teenaged niece will enjoy spending time together at the theater. Or, if you’re ready to get into the holiday spirit, there are also a couple of earlier showings of Will Ferrell’s funny Christmas jaunt, Elf at the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz!

Give your guests a taste of authentic Austin with a Dale Watson & His Lone Stars Thanksgiving at The Continental Club! What a way to round out the day. Your family will thank you after you introduce them to one of the most fun venues and impressive crooners our city has to offer. They might thank you for taking them to a bar too. Unwind with a couple of drinks, great music and maybe even a little dancing. The shindig starts at 10:15PM, but be warned, there are no advance tickets and only a $10 cover at the door, so don’t be late!

If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite or a drink around town, check out this list of restaurants and bars open on Thanksgiving in Austin.

What to Do in Austin over the Thanksgiving Weekend

Go see a play! Looking for something to do with the whole family? Now that everyone’s energy is renewed after sleeping off all that turkey they need to get out of the house and do something fun! Head over to The Long Center for their production of Annie! There are three shows to choose from Friday – Saturday!

The opportunity for a genuine Austin musical experience goes on through the weekend with Joe Ely, Denny Freeman and Graham Wilkinson at The Saxon Pub. Whether you just need to get out of the house for a bit or want to treat your out-of-town guests to a special night out, this is where to be on Friday night! The show starts at 6:00 PM, we recommend committing to settling in there for the rest of the evening with a cold drink and some excellent company!

Get a little shopping done at the City-Wide Garage Sale Saturday! This is one of Austin’s favorite opportunities to shop vintage and unique items from across the city. If you’re looking for an original gift for someone this holiday, you’re sure to find something here. For $6 you can spend the day perusing all of the booths at the Palmer Events Center. Kids 12 & under are free! Doors open at 10:00AM!

This is what we love about Austin! There is never a shortage of things to do around the city and the variety makes it easy to find something everyone can do together! Be careful if you’re here visiting, you might just fall in love with Austin while you’re here. It’s been known to happen! Not to worry, if you become smitten, we are experts on all things Austin and can help you find the perfect home in our lovely city!